The Coalition has criticised the Albanese government's response to China's military drills in the Tasman sea that have affected some Australian commercial flights in region.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has raised the matter with her Chinese counterpart at the G20 meeting in South Africa.
But Andrew Hastie, the Opposition's defence spokesperson, says the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is not standing up for Australia's national interest.
"I think what we've seen from the Prime Minister and his Defence Minister is a pattern of weakness over the last two years. China senses this weakness, and so they've used this weakness, and so that they've used this series of exercies and particularly this live-fire exercise to signal military strength of our coast. That's what they did it. It's beside the point to insist that was done within the international law. They disrupt our commercial flight path. If the Royal Australian Navy did that off the coast of China, they'd be hell to pay."
Central Victorian residents have been told to stay indoors, as emergency authorities are battling an out-of-control grass fire.
People in the area between Kilmore and Lancefield are advised it's too late to leave.
Residents in Forbes, Kilmore, Springfield and Willowmavin are advised to evacuate as soon as possible.
Over 30 trucks are being sent in response to the fire.
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It comes as Rwanda-backed M-23 rebels continue to advance in the eastern part of the country after seizing two large provincial capitals, Bukavu and Goma, in recent weeks.
Since the conflict escalated at the start of January 2025, the U-N estimates more than 480,000 people have been displaced and at least 3000 killed.
Permanent Representative to the United Nations for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zénon Mukongo Ngay welcomed the UN resolution.
“It certainly took the Council a long time to reach a consensus, but it has shown resilience. For that, on behalf of the Government and all the sons and daughters of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially those from Bunagana to Kamanyola, passing through Goma, Sake, Minova, Nyabibwe, Kalehe, Kavumu, and Bukavu, I would like to sincerely thank all the members of the Council, without distinction.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reassured salmon farmers in Tasmania about the future of sector, despite being urged by conservationists to rethink the commitment.
Eight Conservation councils led by Environment Tasmania have written to Mr Albanese to express concern, after the Prime Minister announced he would adopt what he called appropriate environmental laws to continue salmon farming in Tasmania's west coast.
Speaking from Macquarie Harbour today Mr Albanese stresses that data has shown salmon farming can co-exist with the endangered Maugean skate in the area.
"One of the things we have been determined to do is to make sure we actually listen to the real side, not scare campaign, and the real side shows that this is a sustainable industry, that the breeding program (of Maugean skate) is going well, is successful, but also, the presence there in Macquarie Harbour is terrific as well, as maintained the level around about that they were in 2014."
The number of the endangered Maugean skate has dropped in recent years due to reduced oxygen level in waters. However, latest research shows the number has stabilised.
A federal judge in the United States has blocked the executive orders from President Donald Trump that will end the diversity, equity and inclusion programs at federal agencies.
District Judge Adam Abelson found the orders likely carry constitutional violations, including against free speech rights.
A preliminary injunction is imposed to block the Trump administration from terminating or changing equity-related contracts.
On his first day returning to the office, Mr Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to terminate all grants or contracts in relation to equity.
He then signed a follow-up order requesting federal contractors not to promote diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Now in sports...
United States baseball team the New York Yankees have dropped a ban on players growing beards, which has been in place for 49 years.
The Yankee's current owner Hal Steinbrenner says the ban was outdated.
The ban was issued by Mr Steinbrenner's father, the previous owner of the team.
The move is seen as a signal to improve player recruitment, as the Yankees hopes to win its first title since 2009.
